SAN RAMON, CA—Marking the beginning of the second phase of testing for a pilot demonstration, EasyMile, GoMentum Station and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority showcased the use of two EZ10 shared autonomous vehicles that will soon begin operation at Bishop Ranch. The project was made possible by California Assembly Bill 1592, which enables testing of electric, low-speed, multi-passenger autonomous vehicles that are not equipped with a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator or operator.

“We can't wait to see how Bishop Ranch employees respond to these safe, smooth and accessible shuttles,” Alexander Mehran Sr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sunset Development Company, tells GlobeSt.com. “They are going to transform the way tenants and employees navigate Bishop Ranch and ultimately provide widespread last-mile transit solutions people really need.”

This is the first such pilot program in California and the first driverless shuttle on US public roads. The Bishop Ranch program, which if successful, is poised to become the first publicly accessible shared autonomous vehicle technology for mobility-on-demand in the country. These autonomous vehicles have been previously deployed in Finland, France, Spain, Norway, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Japan, Dubai, Singapore and Switzerland.

“At EasyMile, we are proud of our work to transform the way people move through cities around the world. Our shuttles allow commuters to quickly, easily and safely get where they need to go, without having to depend on a car. We are excited to partner with Bishop Ranch, GoMentum Station and First Transit as our operating partner in bringing this technology to the United States,'' said Gilbert Gagnaire, EasyMile president.

Mehran says autonomous shuttles have the ability to improve safety, benefit the environment, reduce congestion and make existing roads more efficient. The shuttles will carry workers to and from parking facilities to workplace buildings.

“This technology offers an innovative new approach to helping travelers get to transit stations, business districts and other local amenities without the hassle of driving and parking. We expect that EasyMile shared autonomous vehicles will solve the so-called 'first-and-last-mile' challenge, a solution that could be replicated by many urban and suburban communities across the United States,” said Randell Iwasaki, Contra Costa Transportation Authority's executive director.

Bishop Ranch is a 600-acre business park that serves as the world headquarters of Chevron and is home to several large companies such as GE Digital, AT&T, IBM, PG&E and Bank of the West.

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No Driver, No Problem for Parking Lot Shuttles

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